Former England cricket star Robin Smith has passed away aged 62.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Smith’s death in a statement from his family, saying he passed away at his home in Perth on Monday, with the cause of death not yet known.
“It is with the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Arnold Smith, beloved father of Harrison and Margaux and cherished brother of Christopher,” the family statement said.
“Robin, known widely as ‘The Judge’, was originally born in South Africa in 1963 to parents John and Joy and is the younger brother to Christopher (Kippy) Smith.
“Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players. A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.
“This is an immensely difficult period for us all whilst we try to come to terms with our bereavement, and we would therefore much appreciate consideration for our privacy by media and cricket followers alike.”
Smith played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, scoring 4236 runs at an average of 43.67. His career featured nine centuries, 28 half-centuries and a highest score of 175 against the West Indies in Antigua.
The former Test player, who attended the first Ashes Test in Perth last week and met with the England Lions, had been open about his struggles with alcohol and mental health following his retirement in 2004.
His family added that those issues “should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death”.
Smith was widely respected for his fearless batting style, with former Hampshire chair Rod Bransgrove once describing him as “the most influential player in the history of Hampshire cricket”.
Tributes have poured in, with ECB chair Richard Thompson saying Smith was known for his courage and resilience.
“Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience,” he said.
“He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.
“He was a batter ahead of his time which was typified in that unforgettable unbeaten 167 from 163 balls in an ODI against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.
“His record at Hampshire is exemplary, and he’ll be remembered rightly as a great of Hampshire CCC. We’re desperately sad to learn of his passing, and the thoughts of all of us in cricket are with his friends, family and loved ones.”
Former Australian batsman and coach Darren Lehmann also acknowledged the news, sharing two broken hearts on social media in response to Smith’s passing.
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